Sigma EX 18-50mm F2.8 DC Macro Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2006.
The lens belongs to the category
standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
The lens has macro-properties but is unable to reproduce things in their real size (otherwise called '1:1'). You should therefor consider taking the term 'macro' with a pinch of salt and if the macro-possibilities you are looking for you should perhaps look at other options.
Product description from Sigma
At launch 2006 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 18-50mm F2.8 DC Macro :
"Sigma’s 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro large-aperture f2.8 enables fast and accurate auto focusing in this standard zoom lens for digital cameras which is perfect for professional photographer or serious amateur photographer. When you need to stand ready for any photo opportunity you need a fast aperture so you can shoot in low existing light or at maximum range with a flash this Sigma macro lens is perfect. With its compact size and light weight, it’s a necessary addition to your camera bag
For use with smaller chip APS-c or 4/3 digital cameras only
Compact size weighing 16 ounces and only 3.2 inches in length
Two Aspherical glass elements offer correction for distortion
SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass & ELD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass element provides optimum color correction & sharpness
Super Multi-Layer lens coating reduces flare & ghosting & assures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range
Inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation making the lens suitable for use of polarizing filters
A minimum focusing distance of 8” & a maximum magnification factor of 1 to 3 make this excellent for up-close subjects "
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.
This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.
Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.
The lens has a focal length of 18-50 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 29-80 mm if you have a Canon camera or 27-75 mm if you have a Niko camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Sigma EX 18-50mm F2.8 DC Macro
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
- Read more about the autofocus motor and the importance of this part
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.
A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 18 mm or at 50 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH780-04 581".
Images of Sigma EX 18-50mm F2.8 DC Macro
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The price (more info)
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
- A lens hood is included
- Light weight (450 gr)
- No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
- Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
- The lens is called 'Macro' but can not reproduce at a scale of 1:1
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Sigma EX 18-50mm F2.8 DC Macro .
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| Autofocus |
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| Value |
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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